Research on antibodies and their uses. Covers engineered antitoxin antibodies, long-lasting immunity, monoclonal therapies, and antiviral T cells.
A new antibody called 5750 has been developed by researchers at Ruhr-University Bochum to label specific stem cells in the nervous system. The antibody targets a sugar residue on the cell surface called LewisX, which is found on different types of neural stem cells.
A new blood-based test has the potential to diagnose Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) more quickly and accurately, allowing doctors to prescribe the right medication and prevent flares. The test uses a small chip to detect biomarkers in the body, creating a unique 'fingerprint' for each patient.
Three Ontario projects focused on biomonitoring, gene function, and synthetic antibody production will further knowledge and discovery in these fields. The funding will support the creation of new methods to monitor environmental change and improve treatment options for cancers.
Feral pigs in eastern North Carolina have been found to host significant numbers of parasites that can be transmitted to humans, including Toxoplasma gondii and Trichinella. The study's findings highlight the potential health risk posed by feral pigs to both domestic swine and humans.
Researchers at UC San Diego School of Medicine have discovered a potential cancer biomarker in non-human sialic acid antibodies, which can also be used as a treatment to suppress tumor growth. The study found that patients with carcinomas have elevated levels of antibodies to one specific Neu5Gc-containing sugar chain.
A new injection has been developed to limit the devastating consequences of heart attacks and strokes, with potential applications in transplant surgery. The injection targets a key enzyme responsible for inflammation, neutralizing its effects and significantly reducing tissue damage.
A study found that extending the HPV vaccine dosing schedule to every 3 months was comparable to the standard schedule in terms of antibody concentration levels. This alternative schedule may provide a more feasible option for expanding vaccine use in developing countries.
Researchers have discovered a unique antibody from llamas that can interfere with the toxins produced by Clostridium difficile, a health problem affecting hundreds of thousands of patients worldwide. This discovery promises to provide a much-needed alternative treatment option for this increasing healthcare problem.
Researchers have developed an experimental vaccine against the human norovirus, generating a strong immune response in mice. The vaccine uses a novel viral vector-based method and showed promise in inducing high levels of antibodies and a robust white blood cell response in animals.
Researchers have made a breakthrough in developing a universal blood product that can be transfused without matching the donor and recipient's blood types. This new approach uses immunocamouflage to hide blood cells from antibodies, allowing for a reduced risk of fatal immune reactions.
A study found that infants exposed to HIV at birth but not infected had lower antibody levels to diseases like pertussis, tetanus, and pneumococcus. This group is vulnerable to infections and has higher mortality rates compared to uninfected infants.
Babies born to HIV-infected mothers have lower antibody levels, making them more susceptible to illnesses like pneumonia and meningitis. Vaccination shows promise in boosting their immune response.
A recent study published in the Journal of Biological Chemistry reveals that PSA (prostate-specific antigen) levels correlate with prostate cancer progression due to a complex formed between PSA and cell surface receptor GRP78. This binding stimulates pathways promoting tumor growth, cell movement, and blocking apoptosis.
Researchers identified broadly protective antibodies against a variety of flu strains in patients infected with the 2009 H1N1 pandemic strain, suggesting a pan-influenza vaccine may be feasible. The antibodies could guide efforts to design a vaccine providing long-lasting protection against a wide spectrum of flu viruses.
Researchers found that people infected with 2009 H1N1 and recovered produced antibodies protective against a variety of flu strains. The study suggests incorporating these defenses into a vaccine could provide broad protection against all influenza strains.
Researchers at Stanford University School of Medicine discovered that many cancer cells carry a protein called calreticulin (CRT), which signals circulating immune cells to engulf and digest them. This 'eat me' signal counteracts a separate 'don't eat me' signal, CD47, previously found in earlier studies.
A recent study from the University of North Carolina found that widely used histone antibodies may not always recognize their intended targets, but instead bind to other sites. The researchers used a new approach to generate modified histone proteins and tested commercial antibodies, which often showed off-target binding issues.
Researchers at NIAID envision a universal flu vaccine that elicits an unnatural immune response, protecting against multiple flu strains. By targeting a shared region of the flu protein HA, scientists hope to develop a broadly protective vaccine that could replace seasonal vaccines.
A UNC-led research team developed a searchable database of more than 200 commonly used antibodies to help genetic scientists precisely test DNA. The database addresses the issue of specificity in antibody tests, which can affect gene regulation and human diseases.
Research suggests moderate to severe COPD may involve an auto-immune component, with 34% of patients having abnormal ANA and AT levels in their blood. The study found a significant association between these auto-antibodies and impairment of lung function.
Early and abundant HIV antibodies are ineffective in blocking infection due to their inability to recognize the virus until it has invaded a healthy cell. The study reveals that the virus creates two versions of the 'Achilles heel' that different types of antibodies need to target, making effective defense challenging.
A new imaging method has been developed at Stanford to quickly and accurately locate and count the myriad connections between nerve cells in unprecedented detail. The method, array tomography, combines high-resolution photography with specialized fluorescent molecules to capture information and converts it into imagery.
A new Georgetown University Medical Center study found that up to 40% of scleroderma patients will not be correctly diagnosed using a commercial screening test. The researchers evaluated over 200 scleroderma patients and found that the test failed to identify patients with specific antibodies, highlighting the need for alternative test...
A phase I clinical trial at University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center found an antibody loaded with an anti-cancer agent produced complete or partial remissions in 38 percent of patients with relapsed or therapy-resistant Hodgkin lymphoma.
A Finnish study found that children born in spring are more likely to develop food allergies due to sensitization during fetal development. Research suggests a peak in birch and alder pollen levels in April-May may contribute to this association.
A study analyzing H1N1 antibody levels suggests a third wave is unlikely in 2010. Adults aged 50-79 years are at a higher risk of severe outcomes if infected.
A study published in The Lancet Infectious Diseases suggests that infant immunity to hepatitis B lasts for at least 5 years after primary vaccination, making booster shots unnecessary. The research, led by Alessandro Zanetti, found that children vaccinated with hexavac maintained protective antibody levels for over 5 years.
A study published in PLOS Medicine found that pooled nucleic acid amplification testing is not cost-effective at recommended antibody testing intervals, except for clinics serving men who have sex with men. However, decreasing the antibody testing interval to 6 months or 5 years made it cost-saving in all settings.
Researchers have developed a new method for visualizing individual virus particles, enabling a more detailed understanding of these minute pathogens. The technique, known as surface plasmon resonance microscopy, allows for the detection and measurement of viral mass, with a detection limit rivaling conventional methods by three to four...
A study of 216 patients with open-angle glaucoma found that older patients and those with abnormal anticardiolin antibodies experienced faster visual field decline. Reducing intraocular pressure modestly slowed this decline, particularly in younger patients.
Researchers identified a new signaling pathway between TACI and MyD88 that regulates the immune response. This interaction may cause both protective antibodies against infections and excessive immune reactions in autoimmune diseases.
DZNE and LMU researchers have identified alpha secretase enzyme ADAM10, which cleaves amyloid precursor protein without forming beta-amyloid plaques. This discovery opens up new possibilities for diagnosing and preventing Alzheimer's disease.
Researchers at UCI have found a new diagnostic tool for multiple sclerosis by detecting increased levels of antibodies that inhibit energy production in neurons. This breakthrough could lead to earlier and more effective treatment for the chronic disease.
Researchers discovered a non-human sialic acid sugar in biotech drugs that can provoke a strong immune response in some individuals, worsening chronic inflammation. A simple modification to the drug-making process could solve this problem by adding human sialic acid.
Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center discovered a link between anti-TPO antibodies and placental abruption in pregnant women. The study of over 17,000 women found that antibody-positive women were three times as likely to experience placental separation during labor.
A novel microfluidic HIV test developed by Prof. Alexander Revzin uses antibodies to 'capture' white blood cells called T cells affected by HIV. The test detects the types and levels of inflammatory proteins released by the cells, providing six parameters simultaneously from a small blood sample.
A molecule that binds toll-like receptors doubles the early antibody response to an antigen and shifts it to a more effective IgG form. The findings support bridge immunity, which links innate and adaptive arms of the immune response.
The US Department of Defense has awarded over $1 million to a team of researchers at the University of Western Ontario to develop an antibody treatment for spinal cord injuries. The therapy targets inflammation caused by CD11d protein, which can limit damage and improve recovery rates.
UCI chemists develop synthetic antibodies that block bee venom by encasing melittin, a peptide causing cells to rupture. These 'plastic antibodies' offer a promising alternative to natural antibodies for treating medical conditions, with potential applications in fighting deadly toxins and pathogens.
Researchers at Arizona State University and Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center develop a new method to identify biomarkers for ovarian cancer using antibodies. They found 19 distinct scFvs that selectively bound to proteins exclusively found in ovarian cancerous blood serum, providing potential for significant improvements in patie...
Researchers at Stanford University School of Medicine have discovered that antibodies are critical to the repair of nerve damage in the peripheral nervous system. In a new study, scientists show that certain antibodies can facilitate myelin clearance and nerve regeneration, while others do not.
Researchers have successfully tested a plastic antibody that mimics natural antibodies in the bloodstream of living mice, demonstrating its ability to recognize and fight infectious substances. The breakthrough could lead to medical applications for custom-tailored nanoparticles to combat various antigens.
Researchers at Fox Chase Cancer Center are testing a new antibody, MM-111, that targets the HER2/HER3 pathway in patients with advanced breast and gastric cancers. The trial aims to provide an additional therapeutic target within the HER2 pathway and potentially overcome resistance to current HER2-targeted therapies.
Research suggests that exposure to herpes simplex virus 1 may contribute to cognitive and brain abnormalities in schizophrenia. Patients with antibodies for HSV-1 performed poorly on cognitive tests and had reduced brain volume in key regions, including the anterior cingulate and cerebellum.
Researchers have developed silica cages that can package anti-cancer antibodies, which significantly slow the growth of tumors and prolong the lives of mice. The treatment also reduces side effects compared to traditional intravenous drips.
Researchers at Arizona State University have developed a method to create synthetic antibodies that can bind with human proteins with high affinity and specificity. This technique, called synbody construction, involves combining random amino acid sequences to form a binding molecule that can target specific proteins.
A new study reveals that the human immune system's defences against dengue fever can actually help the virus infect more cells. This finding could lead to the development of an effective vaccine by avoiding certain antibodies produced in response to the virus.
A study analyzing blood samples from Singapore found significant variation in H1N1 infection risks among different age groups and military personnel. Younger individuals and those with household members who seroconverted had higher infection rates, emphasizing the need for tailored interventions.
A new study found that smoking increases MS risk in individuals with high levels of Epstein-Barr virus antibody, but not those without it. The research suggests a link between smoking, immune response to the virus, and MS development.
Researchers at Duke University Medical Center have discovered a set of naturally occurring antibodies that can block HIV's entry into certain blood cells. These polyreactive anti-phospholipid antibodies show promise as a potential new strategy for HIV vaccine design.
A genetically modified tobacco plant can produce antibodies to toxic MC-LR, rendering it harmless. This innovative technology could serve as a major tool in keeping water sources safe in developing nations.
Scientists at Emory University School of Medicine discovered a set of bacteria-killing proteins that recognize human blood type molecules on bacterial surfaces. These proteins, galectin-4 and galectin-8, can kill certain strains of E.coli within minutes.
A retrospective study of Red Cross donor and hospital data found that patients receiving female-donor plasma had better lung function, reduced risk of death within 30 days of surgery, and longer hospital stays compared to those who received male-donor plasma.
Research from Malawi and the UK reveals a two-pronged immune response that could combat even the most resilient strains of nontyphoidal Salmonella. Protective antibodies have been identified that recognize bacteria in the blood and kill them without immune cell help, offering hope for an effective vaccine.
Scientists have created antibodies in llamas to detect seven types of botulinum neurotoxins, which are highly toxic and can cause paralysis. These llama antibodies, called single domain antibodies, may play a role in future anti-botulism treatments and could improve biosensors for detecting toxins.
Research synthesizes data from various studies on anti-merozoite antibody responses and their link to protection against clinical malaria. Merozoite antigens are key targets of protective immunity, with antibodies to MSP-3, MSP-119, and AMA1 offering substantial protection.
Galapagos finches develop antibodies against two parasites that invaded the islands, suggesting they can fight off alien invaders. The immune system recognizes these parasites and produces specific antibodies, which may help the birds resist the threats.
Researchers at Boston Children's Hospital have discovered a gene enhancer responsible for activating cancer-causing genes in B cells, leading to the development of a new target for lymphoma therapy. The study suggests that targeting this regulatory component could potentially arrest lymphomas and other blood-related cancers.
Research from the University of Rochester Medical Center found that using common pain killers like Advil and Tylenol at the time of flu injection can blunt the vaccine's effect. The study suggests that timing and dosage of pain relievers also play a role in reducing antibody production, which is necessary for immune protection.
Researchers found that high-affinity mutant viruses alternate with low-affinity forms in antigenic drift. Increasing child vaccination could slow this process and extend seasonal influenza vaccine effectiveness.